The starting point: the University of Graz greenhouse gas emissions inventory
University of Graz’s emissions are to be successively reduced by 2030. The computing of an initial greenhouse gas emissions inventory represents the first step in carbon management to setting targeted measures. The greenhouse gas balance marks the starting point on the roadmap outlining the measures taken by University Graz to becoming climate neutral and is calculated based on the average emissions recorded between the years 2015 to 2019. Emissions can be divided into the following categories: energy, mobility, resources, inventory (e.g. buildings and finance). In addition, nature-based carbon storage contributes to the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
Energy
Target 2030: reducing emissions by 90 per cent (electrical energy) and 80 per cent (thermal energy).
By 2030, emissions in the field of electrical energy are to be reduced by 90 per cent and those in the field of thermal energy by 80 per cent. On the one hand, the University of Graz is focusing on increasing energy efficiency and energy savings, and on the other, the production and purchase of green energy is also moving at a faster rate. Since 2019, the University of Graz has been purchasing electricity exclusively from certified renewable and regional sources. In addition to the ongoing expansion of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, the University of Graz has thus become one of the first Austrian universities to take this major leap. Thermal building renovations as well as heat and cooling efficiency increases will also support the achievement of goals.
Mobility
Target 2030: reducing emissions by 44 per cent.
The goal of the University of Graz is to reduce mobility emissions by 44 per cent by 2030 (compared to the initial greenhouse gas balance). In mobility management, the University of Graz continues to advertise public transport tickets in the Graz area, notably the “KlimaTicket”. Drumming up interest for the University of Graz bicycles, e-bicycles and the e-charging infrastructure is also crucial for the advancement of sustainable commuting. The Green Academia Award, which will be presented to the most successful branches of science from 2023, plays a significant role in promoting sustainable business travel mobility.
Resources
Target 2030: reducing emissions by 55 per cent.
In addition to sustainable procurement goals for office supplies, the efficient use of materials is also vital. An example in which sustainable procurement and efficient handling of materials go hand in hand has already been implemented at the University of Graz: the complete switch to recycled paper, as well as the default setting “double-sided printing” could help to reduce material consumption and increase the sustainability of materials. Furthermore, the waste separation systems are constantly being expanded, and a campus-owned hygiene paper press is in operation for the circular recycling of hygienic paper waste. In addition to office supplies, IT equipment also play a vital role in reducing emissions - the life of IT equipment, such as PCs and laptops, has been extended to at least five years.
Buildings and Finance
Target 2030: reducing emissions by 50 per cent
New buildings are to be built on the basis of the policy paper drafted by the Alliance of Sustainable Universities. Following a climate-friendly construction method is of top priority. When developing new sites, the climate impact should be kept as small as possible. In the financial sector, attention is paid to an environmentally oriented investment based on certified sustainable investments. This share is to be further increased until 2030.
Carbon Storage
Storage of the remaining 32 per cent by 2030. By 2040, the share of emission storage must not exceed 10 per cent.
The goal of the University of Graz is to reduce mobility emissions by 44 per cent by 2030 (compared to the initial greenhouse gas balance). In mobility management, the University of Graz continues to advertise public transport tickets in the Graz area, notably the “KlimaTicket”. Drumming up interest for the University of Graz bicycles, e-bicycles and the e-charging infrastructure is also crucial for the advancement of sustainable commuting. The Green Academia Award, which will be presented to the most successful branches of science from 2023, plays a significant role in promoting sustainable business travel mobility.